Old Meets New in Sonoma Plaza

BCBG Generation Trench Coat, Calvin Klein Dress, Franco Sarto Sandals, JCrew Necklace & Michael Kors Watch

I absolutely love juxtapositions especially when old meets new. In this case, I’m referring to my modern day spring outfit in comparison to the Mission San Francisco Solano behind me founded in 1823 by Spanish-Mexican Monks. It’s remarkable to see that we’ve gone through several eras of fashion and the mission is still standing, as well as several fashion trends. So what era am I? I’m a combination of a few and I consider my style everyday colorful Bohemian Chic. I love combining dresses with a variety of patterns and colors which express my love of fashion and the ability to combine old styles with new trends.

Shooting at this historic landmark was pretty special for two reasons: in 4th grade I selected this mission for my California history fourth grade report. Who else remembers this project? Secondly, my family is in the process of constructing our own mission/hacienda style winery paying homage to how wine was introduced to California via the missions. Stay tuned for more winery updates!

Sonoma Plaza has always captured my heart for it's rural charm, historic significance and eclectic mix of tasting rooms, restaurants, hotels, cafes and galleries. With its winding alleyways, timeworn adobe storefronts, and historic landmarks the square boasts vast stretches of lawn that creates a lush setting for picnics, cultural activities and weekly farmers markets. Definitely one of my favorite local scenes in Sonoma's beautiful wine country! Who else agrees?

48 Hours in San Francisco

Franco Sarto Riding Boots, Alice + Olivia Dress, Banana Republic Blazer

I've been living in and out of San Francisco since 2003 and no matter how much places, people and life evolves this city will forever have my heart. Here are a few of my favorite things, places and advice for people visiting for a quick weekend trip (mixing tourist traps + local scenes):

Day One: The Icons

1. Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of walking or biking over the bridge head over to Baker Beach in the Presidio district where a gorgeous sandy beach welcomes you with stunning views of the bridge and bay.
Tip: Great for picnicking, sun tanning (when it's hot) and taking your fur babies for a stroll. If you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of some dolphins!

2. Alamo Square Park. End the day watching the sunset at the iconic postcard-ready Victorians below Alamo Square Park.
Tip: Great for a date night. Be ready with a blanket + a bottle of vino and some GoVino cups.

3. North Beach Dinner Plans. Head over to the lively district of Washington Square Park and cruise up the hill to Don Pistos for some delicious Mexican inspired street food goodness.
Tip: Still thirsty? Night owls should cruise over to Columbus Avenue and enjoy an array of bar hopping hubs to quench your thirst.

Day Two: The Real Deal

1. Sunday Brunch in the Mission District. Head over to Foreign Cinema for a boozy brunch filled with delicious California inspired bites surrounded by a hip outdoor space screening films.
Tip: After brunch cruise over to the newly remodeled Dolores Park and find a spot to people watch and enjoy the views.

2. Golden Gate Park. Check out the newest De Young Museum art exhibit or walk across the park to the California Academy of Sciences for an afternoon of fun adult learning.
Tip: If you're feeling adventurous rent a bike on Fulton Street and cruise through the botanical gardens.

3. Dim Sum Dinner Plans. End the day in Chinatown grubbing on some of the best Dim Sum northern CA has to offer. 
Tip: Favorite Dim Sum spot includes Great Eastern Restaurant. 

What's the best thing about SF? The lack of pretension for such a cosmopolitan city, the bustling yet comfortable activity in the streets, squares and parks and the diverse food scene the city has to offer.

Winter Wonderland in Lake Tahoe

Ugg Boots, BNCI Vest, J. Crew Flannel, Ray Ban Aviators

Last weekend I escaped to the winter wonderland of Lake Tahoe. It was refreshing and relaxing to be immersed in nature’s beauty surrounded by glittering blankets of snow. It also marked one of my good amigos birthdays (including mine on Sunday), making the trip even more memorable!

With a crew of 15 friends we nestled up in a gorgeous three story house in Incline Village. We spent the majority of time playing college drinking games, hot tubbing and bar hopping around Northstar Resort while some of the crew snowboarded. It was perfection. Like a chilled glass of Schramsberg Brut Rosé. Yes, please!

Insider Tip: if you’re staying in north Lake Tahoe stop by the Log Cabin Caffe for brunch (grapefruit mimosas + crab cake Benedict are delicious!). Afterward, swing by Speedboat Beach on your way out of town (locals favorite! Amazing views + huge boulders to jump off during the summer).

At Sea with Casa Ceja Wine Club

I feel pretty fortunate to call this life of mine work.I just got back from an eastern Caribbean cruise with 120 of our awesome Casa Ceja Wine Club members. The Celebrity Reflection was our home for seven days, which is undoubtedly the most luxurious and magnificent ships I’ve been on. Our agenda was relaxed but was naturally interweaved with six exclusive wine focused events (heaven for foodies and winos). Some of my favorites included, a winemaker luncheon, a cooking demo and a salsa dance cocktail fiesta, all in which were entertaining, informative and fun!

We set sail from Miami and leisurely made our way to St. Maarten and then to St. Thomas to explore the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands. Each stop was simply glorious with stunning panoramic views of crystal clear Caribbean water, lush vegetation and white sandy beaches - paradise in a nutshell.

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P.S. Stay tuned for the announcement of our third cruise, as this location is a mystery destination.

La Casa Azul de Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo - Cover of French Vogue Magazine, 1939

I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this and know that, yes, it's true I'm here, and I'm just as strange as you... -Frida Kahlo 

A few weeks ago my mom and I had the opportunity to travel to Mexico City to promote Ceja Vineyards at an international wine exhibition. As a travel aficionado, I was elated to visit the birthplace of the iconic Frida Kahlo. We jumped at the chance to visit her eclectic home and spent an afternoon catching a glimpse into her life. She lived, painted and eventually died at her home suitably called, La Casa Azul or The Blue House in Coyoacan.

Ever since I can remember, I have been intrigued and inspired by her work, her controversial lifestyle and complex marriage to Diego Rivera. Frida embodied a saint, muse, lover, mistress, bisexual, victim, and survivor. She was the very model of the bohemian artist: unique, rebellious, and contradictory. A cult figure adopted by feminists, artists, fashion designers and pop culture.

Here are a few of my favorite snapshots. Take a peek inside her incredible life…

La Casa Azul courtyard

La Casa Azul. Inside her home patio

Luscious gardens inside La Casa Azul

Self portrait of Frida found in her home in 2004

Frida's art studio desk and personal portrait mirror

Frida's colorful wardrobe - discovered in her home in 2004

Self portrait, "Las Dos Fridas" - 1939

Frida's kitchen. My mom  and I were in complete awe

Wedding portrait. Frida and Diego - 1931

Her bedroom & the place where she passed away

One of my favorite paintings, "Viva La Vida" -1954